Fire restrictions remain in effect for many BLM areas (07-24-13)

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Stage 1 fire restrictions on all lands managed by the BLM Grand Junction and Colorado River Valley Field Offices still remain in effect.

Many areas of the state have received significant rainfall allowing those areas to remove fire restrictions.The recent rains locally are not significant enough for Fire Managers to remove current restrictions.Conditions are monitored daily and the decision to remain in restrictions is evaluated weekly.

“Recent rains have helped, but fire potential remains high,” said Fire Management Specialist Lathan Johnson.Johnson notes that fire danger climbed back up in recent days.“We need people to remain vigilant until fuel moisture improve and we can get out of fire restrictions.”

Fire managers base decisions about fire restrictions on specific moisture measurements in vegetation and other risk factors. Monsoonal flows have allowed some relief in fire danger but high risk remains in elevations below 8,000 feet.

The BLM continues to enforce temporary restrictions of:

campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed campgrounds (i.e. a metal, in-ground containment structure -- fire pans and rock campfires rings are not acceptable)

no fires of any type including charcoal outside of developed areas

no smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or in a barren area free of vegetation

no use of explosive materials

no welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame except from an area that has been cleared of vegetation

no operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and in working order

Fireworks are always prohibited on BLM, National Forest and National Park Service lands.

The BLM Grand Junction and Colorado River Valley Field Offices along with Garfield and Mesa Counties remain in restriction.

Restrictions on these BLM lands will be in place until further notice. Violation of federal fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of not more than $100,000 or imprisonment for not more than 12 months or both. Those found responsible for starting wildfires will also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In Fiscal Year 2014, the BLM generated $5.2 billion in receipts from public lands.